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Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken

Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken
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Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy chicken cooked low and slow with authentic Mexican spices. Perfect for busy days, this recipe delivers a versatile, family-friendly meal that can be enjoyed in tacos, salads, burritos, or over rice. It combines ease, vibrant flavors, and comforting warmth in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Proteins

  • 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 to 2 lbs)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained if desired
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids & Finishing

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Fresh lime juice from 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Mince the garlic and dice the onion. Measure out chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drain the canned diced tomatoes if you prefer a thicker sauce. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts or thighs for cleaner bites.
  2. Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Evenly layer the diced tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, and spices over the chicken. Pour the chicken broth around the edges to keep the seasoning close to the meat.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the chicken and meld the flavors into a rich, savory sauce.
  4. Shred and Finish: Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks so it absorbs all the delicious juices. Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro (if using) before serving to brighten the flavors.

Notes

  • Don’t skip the lime juice; it balances and brightens the dish.
  • Chicken thighs yield a juicier result, but breasts work well for leaner meat.
  • Layer the chicken at the bottom to absorb spices and broth during cooking.
  • Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently, as it increases cooking time.
  • Shred the chicken while it’s warm for easy shredding and better sauce absorption.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, Mexican chicken, shredded chicken, easy chicken recipe, meal prep chicken, chicken tacos, gluten free Mexican recipe

Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/slow-cooker-mexican-chicken/